Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly managing editor Kim Lawton looks at how, in the wake of Super Tuesday, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are still in a tight competition for religious votes, although Clinton seems to have a slight edge among white Catholics, a key constituency in the November election.
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First, let me say what a great fan I am of Religion and Ethics.
Second, I am wondering what is the difference between "Christianity" and New Age Spirituality. The reason I ask is because of the new Oprah book, A New Earth, and the alligations that it is New Age and I am trying to understanding that New Age is against or runs contrary to Christianity? (that is suppose to be a question).
Third, I wonder if Obama receives the Democratic candidancy, will Oprah's affilation with him and this New Age stuff be used against him.
Fourth, I guess I am looking for a chart (I am a teacher) with Christianity on one side and New Age Spirituality on the other and the contrast and the comparisons of the two.
Fifth, I was raised a Methodist Christian and now attend Disciples of Christ Christian Church and I am at a loss to see what is so offensive in the book, A New Earth, to "Christians".
Sixth, Oprah is also doing A Course of Miracles on her radio station that is also receiving the same New Age critism. I just don't understand the controversy???
Seventh, did I say I love your alls show and I stay up until 12 midnight to see it on Sunday nights. That is the time it runs in our market. (I will have to try and work on that!!!!) Thanks for a great presentation of spirituality and religion.
Mary, here is a very brief response to some of the questions/points you raise:
2. New Age Spirituality and Christianity are fundamentally different world views. There are, of course, overlaps in some areas. Both would affirm the existence of something other than merely material "stuff." This would separate Christianity and New Ageism from, say, atheism. However, New Ageism generally affirms that divinity is to be found solely within each human being (this is the Gnostic flavor of New Ageism). Alternately, "god" is an impersonal force permeating all of nature, including us (this is the pantheistic flavor of New Ageism). Christianity would affirm the existence of a personal soul, but would deny that the soul is divine as such. It would also affirm that while God can participate in His own creation (e.g., via miracles), God's existence is not limited to the world around us (i.e., God is transcendent). To make matters more confusing, New Agers often borrow from the language of Christianity. This can make the two world views seem closer than they really are.
4. I strongly recommend a book like James Sire's "The Universe Next Door." It is aimed at Christian readers such as yourself, and sets out the important differences between various world views.
5. Oprah frequently mentions her religious upbringing and interest in spiritual matters. Many viewers assume that she stayed within the Christian world view. As is becoming increasingly evident, this is not the case. Further, critics complain about a lack of transparency. Oprah's frequent use of New Age guests and book recommendations represent a personal commitment to teaching New Ageism through her TV show and other media outlets. Fans might have wanted Oprah to be more explicit in declaring her religious and philosophical commitments.
6. With "miracles" in the title, one might think that the Course will be consistent with theism. However, it is a particular feature of Gnostic-driven New Ageism to turn Christian themes and ideas on their head. So, for instance, the Course mentions "Christ" a lot, but insists that a "slain Christ has no meaning." Fans are disappointed in Oprah for promoting materials antithetical to basic Christian beliefs.